Modular factory established in Speke
A modular homes manufacturer has launched what is understood to be the first modular construction factory in the North West, leasing a 70,000 sq ft warehouse on Triumph Business Park in Speke.
Ideal Modular Homes has been set up by two Liverpool entrepreneurs, Luke Barnes and Graham Owens. Barnes was previously a design engineer before becoming a developer, while business partner Owens was a software engineer, running his own company developing operating systems for large corporations.
The factory in Speke, let from landlord Remstone, has a license to operate 24 hours a day, and will employ 150 staff on shifts to produce more than 10 units a week.
Currently the company has 15 staff based in the warehouse, including in-house architects and technicians advising clients on specifications.
Speaking to Place North West, Barnes confirmed that Ideal Modular Homes had secured its first contracts, and was set to start shortly manufacturing an order of 81 homes, and 58 apartments.
Ideal Modular Homes is working with off-site property assurance scheme BOPAS, to ensure the homes achieve maximum lifetime guarantees and are mortgageable homes by being certified on the Lloyds register.
According to Barnes, modular construction is “all about the technical drawings, down to the last millimetre, and then the scheduling, understanding the production time needed to suit the client”.
He continued: “While looking into modular homes for my own development projects, I found there was a big gap in the market as there were no constructors that offered the quality, deliverability and competitive pricing I was searching for. Using our manufacturing design experience, we began designing Ideal’s modular system which produces high-quality living space at affordable prices.
“We are looking to deliver at least 450 homes in our first year. By continuing to invest heavily in both our staff and our machinery, we will increase our efficiencies and within the next four years, we will be able to deliver at least 1,500 homes each year.”
According to Barnes, Ideal Modular Homes is privately funded through high-net worth individuals.
Great news for Liverpool
By Jen
I wish them well, so many have tried and failed, SIG are experts at it and they’ve made losses, L&G have spent £20m and very little to show for it. I’m aware of 3 modular providers that have gone bust in the last 4 months in the NW alone. I hope they do better
By Shaun Edwards
New and different concepts from the average new builds. Eco friendly superbly made.with traditional values to suit the traditional housing market and appealing to anew generation of families a grand design .. good luck..
By Mr alankelly